BLADENBORO —Bladen County has its share of churches that have celebrated 100 years in existence. On Sunday, Oct. 11, another will join the ranks.
Round Branch Baptist Church, which is located just beyond the town limits of Bladenboro on Center Road in the Round Branch community, was established in 1915.
“Two locals from the community, Atlas Lewis and Richard Johnson, along with the Rev. Scipio Smith founded the Round Branch Baptist Church,” read a press release from the church. “These men were guided by God, trusted in the power of prayer, and having faith invited community members to come together and worship the Lord.”
From that first gathering until the present, worship has continued to be held and impacted the many generations that have shared in it. The church has moved from the little one-room schoolhouse that once stood across the road — which is now farmland — from where the present church stands today. The present building was built in 1972.
“… even now, as this great church prepares to celebrate 100 years of worship embracing its theme, ‘We’ve Come This Far by Faith’ has been rooted and grounded in the present membership,” the press release continued. “The attributes of endurance, strength, unity, and faith will continue to be passed on to the generations yet to come.”
The church’s first pastor was the Rev. Smith and numerous pastors have graced the Round Branch Baptist pulpit since those early days. Today, the Rev. Victor P. Singletary — who is the great-grandson of one of the founders, Atlas Lewis — leads worship services at the church.
The church will host several pre-anniversary revival events, including:
— Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. with Dr. T.B. Everett of Bryant Swamp Baptist Church in Bladenboro.
— Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with Pastor J. McKoy of Pleasant Meadow Baptist Church of Lumberton.
— Friday at 7:30 p.m. with Dr. T.R. Murray of First Baptist Church of Lumberton.
The 100th anniversary celebration will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School and continue at 11 a.m. with the Morning Worship Service. The guest speaker will be Dr. Lynn Brinkley, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Clinton. Dinner will be served following the morning service and the afternoon service will begin at 3 p.m. Guests for this service will be Pastor Garland Pierce from Bright Hopewell Baptist Church of Laurinburg.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.